Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

I recently found The Review Stew - a great site for giveaways and reviews, and had to share one of her current giveaways - a Bottombumpers AIO! These diapers ARE truly great, and I'd love to have one of my followers win one and try them out! :) Visit her site to enter.

(Oh, and psst....there will be an upcoming review and giveaway from Winkydinks there soon - her event is extended through July!)

Monday, June 14, 2010

We got our first organic produce delivery box and I love it! It's called a "box of good", and I think that's such an appropriate name! We are using Klesick Family Farms - they are local, but they bring in a variety of other organic produce so we get something different than what the NW can provide right now. We'll see how much better I start cooking to use it all!

We also use the "green produce bags" (I think you've seen them on TV), and they really work to prolong the life of fresh produce. Also Tupperware has a series of products I also love. A head of lettuce lasts for weeks!!
Do you use a produce delivery company or belong to a CSA? Maybe you head to the farmer's market? Let us know your experiences!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

I planted some cilantro seeds that I gathered from my plant last year. I was actually surprised to see them sprout for some reason! I was even more surprised to see what they looked like - NOTHING like cilantro - lol. But just now, they have begun to LOOK like cilantro...sprouting the jagged little leaves. I'm excited to get a crop I can use to cook with!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Fragrances and perfumes can cause adverse reactions (allergic reactions, asthma triggers, headaches, etc). They may not be toxic in the small quantity introduced by commercial cleaners, but the fact remains that many people are sensitive to synthetic fragrances. Given that fact, I have to assume they probably aren't that great for the rest of us (plus they don't really smell that great compared to their natural counterpart).

Personally, I get an instant headache from perfumes and some cleaners. I'd much rather smell a real lemon than lemon-scented cleaner, how about you?

Safer Substitutes

Remove the source of the odor

Simmer cloves and cinnamon in water to freshen the air, or simply open the windows.

Baking soda! It can absorb smells on carpets, in garbage cans, in the refrigerator, or in the disposal.

Invest in some Essential Oils - they are all natural and provide a pretty potent fragrance! Use them on a cloth laid on your bathroom counter, or put a couple of drops on a light bulb (not sure how this works with CFLs - anyone know?)

Burn soy candles with all natural wicks (clean burning)

As an alternative to hot flames near children, check out Scentsy wickless candles - it melts the wax using a low voltage light bulb and the smell radiates through you house, and is long lasting! (my friend Emily just started selling these, and I am hooked!)

What are your other suggestions for natural odor removal and control in your home?

Friday, June 4, 2010

I was suddenly inspired to make some racing bums! I have read the Golden Book version of Lightning McQueen about a million times and tend to daydream when I read it now...but this time it inspired me!
I was so happy with the way they turned out...I only wish I had a legitimate reason to keep them here at my house. But alas, my children are no longer in need of them (even though they love Cars and racing!). I hope they can find a new home with one of my great customers! (And I'd love to see a photo of your little one sporting them!)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

We read about this online and tried it, and it DOES work! Our disposable razors have lasted 3-5 times longer than normal by running them along an old pair of jeans. What a simple way to cut down on razors (less waste, and saves money!). My husband gets about a month out of his (versus a few shaves), and I don't even remember the last time I replaced mine!

Run the blade the opposite way you'd shave along the jean material about 10 times (you don't need to press hard)

Then turn it around and run it back the other way another 10 times.

You can see other tips for making your razors last longer on this article I posted as well on WikiHow!